30+ powerful Juneteenth quotes to honour freedom and resilience
Juneteenth quotes capture the spirit of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality. Celebrated in June, this historic day marks the end of slavery in the United States. Wise words from visionaries like Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and others continue to inspire change.
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Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States on 19 June 1865.
- It symbolises freedom, resilience, and the fight for racial equality.
- Juneteenth became a federal holiday in the United States on 17 June 2021.
- Celebrations include education, community gatherings, and cultural expressions.
- The day serves as a reminder of progress and the work still needed for justice.
Inspirational Juneteenth quotes
Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, progress, and the ongoing fight for freedom. These inspirational quotes honour the struggles and victories of Black individuals who have shaped history. Check out these Juneteenth inspirational quotes to celebrate the spirit of freedom.
- There are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made. —Michelle Obama
- If the cruelties of slavery could not stop us, the opposition we now face will surely fail. Because the goal of America is freedom, abused and scorned tho’ we may be, our destiny is tied up with America’s destiny. —Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Even though the story has never been tidy, and Black folks have had to march and fight for every inch of our freedom, our story is nonetheless one of progress. —Michelle Obama
- Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won; you earn it and win it in every generation. —Coretta Scott King
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- Where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can. — Barack Obama
- What I love about Juneteenth is that even in that extended wait, we still find something to celebrate. Even though the story has never been tidy, and Black folks have had to march and fight for every inch of our freedom, our story is nonetheless one of progress. — Michelle Obama
- Hold those things that tell your history and protect them. During slavery, who was able to read or write or keep anything? The ability to have somebody to tell your story to is so important. It says: 'I was here. I may be sold tomorrow. But you know I was here.' —Maya Angelou
- Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in. —Martin Luther King Jr.
- Every year we must remind successive generations that this event triggered a series of events that one by one defines the challenges and responsibilities of successive generations. That’s why we need this holiday. —Al Edwards
- Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. —Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Juneteenth quotes for social media
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Social media plays a crucial role in spreading awareness about Juneteenth and its significance. Whether posting to educate, inspire, or celebrate, these words help amplify the voices of those who have fought for freedom.
- Celebrate Juneteenth as a salute to freedom for all humanity.
- The 4th of July was never about Black people. Juneteenth is just for us. As Black people, we are told we don’t deserve our own holidays rooted in our own history. Everything is whitewashed. Juneteenth is for us… Juneteenth symbolises the hope that my children and grandchildren will be free. It’s Black Joy and Black tenacity to survive. —Tanesha Grant
- June 19th reminds me that I am the force of power to change this world and to follow in the footsteps of my ancestors to work towards liberation. —Mariah Cooley
- Juneteenth may mark just one moment in the struggle for emancipation, but the holiday gives us an occasion to reflect on the profound contributions of enslaved Black Americans to the cause of human freedom. —Jamelle Bouie
- We are going to get out here, I am going to get out here and get something done. We have to wake up America. We have to make America uncomfortable like we’ve been uncomfortable for 400 years. —Gwen Carr
- Juneteenth was a promise that was broken. Reconstruction failed and this country has continued to wage war on the Black body. Juneteenth also embodies the resilience of Black people. Even in the face of a broken system, we choose to find joy in resistance and celebrate in community. —Obrian Rosario
- It’s an opportunity to both look back but to look ahead to make sure that that notion of freedom and the fragility of it is always protected and celebrated. —Lonnie Bunch
- Let freedom ring from every hill and from every valiant day's dawn of Juneteenth.
- Whether it’s freedom to express, freedom to live, freedom to earn, freedom to thrive, freedom to learn, whatever it is, I want to make sure that I’m a part of these spaces and opening doors. —Angela Rye
- Whether we are born here or seek refuge here, there’s a place for us all. We must remember it’s not my America or your America. It’s our America. —Michelle Obama
Short Juneteenth quotes
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Sometimes, a few words carry the deepest meaning. These short Juneteenth quotes capture the essence of freedom, resilience, and progress. They are perfect for quick reflections, captions, or sharing a powerful message in a few lines.
- Freedom means nobody but yourself, and doing what you think is right. —Maya Angelou
- My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. —Desmond Tutu
- The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any. —Alice Walker
- If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair. —Shirley Chisholm
- Neither love nor terror makes one blind: indifference makes one blind. —James Baldwin
- You can’t separate peace from freedom, because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom. —Malcolm X
- Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. —James Baldwin
- Every Black person you meet is a miracle… We are valuable because of our humanity and declared valuable because our ancestors declared our worth when they fought for us to live. —Brittany Packnett
- We all require and want respect, man or woman, Black or white. It's our basic human right. —Aretha Franklin
- Freedom is never given; it is won. – A. Philip Randolph
- Slavery is theft—theft of a life, theft of work, theft of any property or produce, theft even of the children a slave might have borne. —Kevin Bales
- You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right. – Rosa Parks
How do you respectfully acknowledge Juneteenth?
You can acknowledge Juneteenth by supporting Black-owned businesses, attending educational events, and engaging in conversations about racial justice. Honouring the day with respect means learning about its history and advocating for continued equality.
What should you write on social media for Juneteenth?
You can post messages that highlight the history and importance of Juneteenth, using quotes from Black leaders or personal reflections on freedom and equality. Express solidarity by sharing educational resources, supporting Black communities, and using hashtags like #Juneteenth and #FreedomDay.
Is there a symbol for Juneteenth?
The Juneteenth Flag is a key symbol, featuring a red, white, and blue design with a bursting star in the centre. The star represents freedom for all enslaved people, while the arc symbolises a new horizon and the promise of progress.
These Juneteenth quotes celebrate the spirit of freedom and the fight against oppression. They reflect on the past while inspiring action for the future. By sharing these words, humanity honours the legacy of those who came before them as they serve as a call to keep pushing for justice, equality, and unity.
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